A Royal Obligation
Chapter 272: Finally Back

Chapter 272: Finally Back

As the warriors of Zephyros and Valeidio reached the border of their lands. The journey had been long, their victory hard-earned, but now, with their home just within reach, the atmosphere was filled with a bittersweet sense of parting.

Kaelix rode at the front, his shoulders squared with pride, but his heart heavy with the knowledge that his time with his Zephyros warriors had come to an end. As they approached the point where the lands of Zephyros began to blend with the Valeidio territory, the warriors of Zephyros began to pull their horses to a stop, exchanging quiet words and farewells with their prince.

"Kaelix," Lysander said, pulling his horse beside Kaelix’s, his voice a mixture of warmth and farewell, "take care of yourself. We’ll be waiting for you at home."

Kaelix smiled, though there was a sadness in his eyes. "I’ll be back soon. And when I do, I expect to see a report of all the victories you’ve claimed in my absence."

Lysander grinned, though there was a touch of something bittersweet in his expression. He pulled Kaelix into a brief, brotherly embrace.

"Take care of yourself, Kaelix. You’re needed by your consort, but don’t forget about us and come back as soon as possible," Draven said, his voice thick with emotion.

Kaelix pulled back, and clasped both of their shoulders in a firm, brotherly way.

"Don’t cause too much trouble in my absence," Kaelix said, his voice teasing but sincere.

Draven laughed. "Wouldn’t dream of it, cousin. Stay safe. We’ll be here waiting for you."

Lysander gave Kaelix a quick, encouraging pat on the back. "Take care, Prince. We’ll see you soon."

With a final exchange of smiles and well-wishes, Kaelix turned his horse, urging it forward to rejoin the warriors of Valeidio.

The Zephyros warriors watched him go, their expressions proud yet somber. As Kaelix rode off, he offered a final wave.

Once Kaelix had joined the Valeidio forces he turned and watched as the warriors began their journey back to Zephyros, the cart carrying the captured Mbuzuoria royals followed behind, the weight of their defeat heavy in the air.

Julian watched the cart with a hard expression, his fists clenched as the cart rolled away. "I wish they could be taken to Valeidio, even just for a few days," he muttered, his eyes burning with hatred. "I have a few... ideas on how to make them regret everything they’ve done."

Kaelix glanced over his shoulder at Julian, but said nothing, the anger in Julian’s voice not lost on him. Instead, it was Theron who spoke up, his voice calm but firm.

"Julian, stop it. It’s already been decided. They’ll be imprisoned in Zephyros. We don’t need to discuss this any further."

Julian let out a frustrated sigh but didn’t argue. Theron’s words had settled the matter in his mind, even though his anger still simmered beneath the surface.

They watched the last of the Zephyros warriors fade into the distance before turning to continue their journey back to Valeidio. The atmosphere among the group lightened as they moved on, the tension of the parting slowly dissipating.

Theron’s gaze drifted to the carriage carrying Princess Abigail and Sadiki’s mother.

"Checking on your girlfriend?" Julian teased Theron, his tone playful.

Lucian and Ella both chuckled at Julian’s remark, while Theo simply shook his head in amusement. Theron shot Julian a glare, but Julian didn’t mind, his smile widening.

Theron rolled his eyes, knowing it was best to just ignore Julian’s teasing. He nudged his horse forward, pulling up beside Kaelix, who had fallen into his usual quiet reflection.

"Let’s go," Kaelix said, his voice calm but carrying an underlying edge of determination. "We still have a long ride ahead of us."

The group picked up their pace, moving steadily toward Valeidio, the carts carrying the two women trailing behind them.

---

As the procession drew closer to Valeidio, the first signs of the kingdom’s warmth began to appear. The roads that led into the heart of the kingdom were lined with cheering people, their faces glowing with joy, anticipation, and relief. The streets were filled with flowers, bouquets tossed into the air by excited children, the scent of fresh petals mingling with the earth beneath their horses’ hooves.

The cheers of the crowd echoed across the valley, rolling through the hills and spilling into the open plains. "Long live the warriors of Zephyros and Valeidio!" they shouted. "Victory is ours!" The sound was deafening, a roar of triumph that swelled with pride and reverence.

Kaelix, sitting tall on his horse, glanced over at Theron, who rode beside him. Their eyes met for a moment, and Kaelix’s lips curved into a small, satisfied smile. It was the kind of smile that spoke of battles fought and won, of sacrifice, and of a long, tiring journey finally reaching its end. It was the smile of a man who had paid his enemies what they owed him.

Theron caught his gaze, offering a subtle nod. "This is it," Theron said quietly, his voice barely audible over the crowd. "We’re finally back."

Kaelix didn’t respond at first, his gaze lingering on the people in the streets. Their faces were filled with adoration, gratitude, and awe.

Behind them, Julian couldn’t help himself. His grin was wide, and his shoulders were squared with pride. He tossed a playful glance over at Theo and Ella, gloating. "You see that? They’re cheering for us," he said, his voice loud enough for those around him to hear. "This is what happens when you fight for the right side."

Theo rolled his eyes, though there was a fond smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He shook his head, amused by his cousin’s boastfulness. "You’re not wrong, Julian, but you sure do like to remind us."

Ella chuckled, her eyes twinkling with affection for her cousins. "Give him a moment," she teased, nudging Theo lightly. "He’ll be insufferable for at least a week now."

Lucian, on the other hand, rode quietly, his gaze distant. While the others celebrated the crowds’ cheers and their victory, his mind wandered elsewhere.